eSIM HUB FOR BUSINESS
eSIMs, explained
Find everything you need to get started with eSIMs for your business. You can also get help managing eSIMs if you’re not sure of anything.
What’s an eSIM?
An eSIM is a virtual SIM that's built into your phone. An eSIM includes everything you need to connect to the EE network, without the need for a physical SIM card.
Why eSIMs are great
Quicker
set up
Get your phone working
fuss free
Dual SIM
functionality
Keep your personal and business
numbers on a single device
Better for the
environment
Reduce your business' carbon
footprint with less plastic
Is my device compatible?
Many EE devices work with eSIMs – use our handy guide to find out if your business’ phones are compatible.
What eSIM deployment methods does EE support?
With EE, we deploy eSIMs in several different ways, such as:
- QR code: You can scan a QR code to activate the eSIM directly on your device.
- Digital QR code: Receive an email with your QR code via Mobile Manager.
- Seamless Download: Connect your eSIM straight out of the box. No SIM, no QR code, no hassle.
- Subscription Transfer: Transfer your eSIM from one Apple device to another during the Apple transfer process.
- Deploy to Device: The eSIM can be sent directly to your device via DTD Push and MDM.
- Apple Watch: With a cellular Apple Watch, you can stay connected even if you leave your phone behind.
- Convert to eSIM: The ability to swap from a physical SIM to an eSIM effortlessly and directly from the settings menu of your iPhone.
Get your eSIM set up
There are different ways to set up your eSIM – find the option that’s relevant to you.
Setting up your eSIM via QR code
Find out how to set up your eSIM via QR code, whether that's for iPhone, Samsung or other Android devices.
eSIM seamless download
If you’ve ordered both handsets and airtime from us at the same time, you'll receive instructions to set up your eSIMs through the seamless download method.
eSIM Deploy to Device
Deploy to Device (DTD) is the simple way of pushing an eSIM to your device. There's two ways that you can do this, by completing a DTD Push Install or a DTD Mobile Device Management (MDM) Install.
eSIM Apple Watch
Already have an Apple Watch or purchased one from EE? We can help you get it set up on EE via an eSIM, when you have a Business Smart Watch Plan.
Already have SIMs with us?
Transferring your existing eSIM or SIM to a new Apple iPhone
Subscription transfer is for existing EE customers who are upgrading their Apple iPhone.
With subscription transfer, you can:
- Transfer the eSIM from your old Apple iPhone to your new Apple iPhone.
- Transfer directly from a physical SIM to an eSIM, when moving to an iPhone 13 or above.
Learn more about subscription transfer
How to convert your iPhone SIM card to an eSIM
Got an iPhone? You can convert your physical SIM card to an eSIM, all from your phone’s settings menu.
Please note: you need to have iOS 17.4 or above along with a physical SIM card to convert to an eSIM using this method.
Get more help and support
Find answers to some of our most frequently asked questions (FAQs).
General questions
Which devices use eSIMs?
Most iPhones, Samsung and Android devices are eSIM compatible. eSIM compatibility differs per device – please check out our device compatibility guide to find out more.
Can I swap from a physical SIM to an eSIM?
Yes – self-serve options are available via Mobile Manager. Please speak to your mobile support team.
If you’re using an Apple device, you can swap from a physical SIM to an eSIM directly from the settings menu on your device. Find out more.
Can I have more than one eSIM active on my device?
Some but not all devices allow you to have more than one eSIM active at a time – it’s usually newer models that do. This feature is known as dual eSIM. Please check out our device compatibility guide to find which devices support dual eSIM.
Can I set up my eSIM when I’m roaming abroad?
We recommend setting up your eSIM in the UK. But depending on the local network, you may be able to set it up while roaming abroad.
Do all eSIM compatible devices support physical SIM?
Most devices support physical SIMs and eSIMs, but some device manufacturers are moving to eSIM only devices. Please check out our device compatibility guide to find out more.
How do I buy eSIMs?
To get eSIMs for compatible devices, or buy new eSIM-compatible devices, contact your mobile support team, or get in touch with our EE sales team.
Can I label or personalise my eSIMs
After your additional eSIM has been activated, you can label each SIM. For example, you could label one 'Personal', and the other 'Business'. Check out your device's user guide to find out how.
eSIM troubleshooting
My QR code won’t scan – what should I do?
If you're not able to scan your QR code, you can use your device to manually enter the information from the QR code.
Find out how in our guide to setting up your eSIM using the QR code.
I need to reset my device. Can I keep my eSIM?
Yes – on both Apple and Android devices, you'll be given the option to keep your eSIM when you carry out a device reset.
I’ve accidentally erased my eSIM. What can I do?
If you didn’t preserve your eSIM during a device reset, you’ll need a new eSIM. Please contact your mobile support team for help with this.
I have scanned my QR code, but have received a message telling me to call EE for assistance. What should I do?
You'll need to give your mobile support team a call as they'll need to activate your SIM for you. Please do not delete your eSIM in the meantime.
My device is locked. What should I do?
Please contact your mobile support team and they will assist you.